Staying safe from AI scams
Scammers now use AI to fake voices and messages. Here is how to protect yourself.
Scammers can now copy a person's voice from a short recording and make a phone call that sounds like your grandchild, child, or friend asking for money urgently.
Golden rule: if anyone asks for money, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency in a hurry, hang up and call the person back on a number you already know.
Agree on a family "safe word" that only your family knows. Ask for it if a call sounds strange.
Banks, Medicare, the IRS and Social Security will not call demanding immediate payment by gift card. Videos and photos can also be faked, so be careful with "too good to be true" offers online.
In the U.S., you can report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.